Even the youngest of children can experiment at Kidcreate Studio. Photo: Kidcreate Studio
Make the most of spring break with area family-friendly destinations.
Spring break is approaching, and families are on the lookout for fun ways to keep the kids entertained, active and away from screens. This year, why not make it memorable with a visit to local playtime destinations? From hands-on activity centers to exciting indoor adventure parks, these spots offer endless fun for elementary and middle-grade children. Whether you’re looking to explore, get crafty or have a blast, these destinations ensure memorable experiences for the whole family—no suitcase required.
Board & Brush
A Best of Woodbury award-winner, Board & Brush offers several unique wooden sign workshops for elementary and middle-grade children. Popular themes include sports, dance and music, while other options include makeup or school boxes.
Kids are encouraged to show off their personalities through their Board & Brush projects. Photo: Board & Brush
Owner Amber Bisek says it will offer a two-day camp that includes two projects per day during spring break. “We love helping kids have a positive outlet for some good ol’ fashioned DIYing and exploring arts and crafts,” she says. “A little fun dancing and games is always in the cards as well.” (Learn more about Board & Brush at woodburymag.com.) Board & Brush, 2230 Eagle Creek Lane Suite F; 612.234.5257; boardandbrush.com
GoodTimes Park
GoodTimes Park is a 20,000-square-foot playspace featuring a playground, a soccer field, a jumping pillow, a ninja course, building blocks and more. The space also includes an infant and toddler area, plus a party room and picnic space.
Owners Patrick and Jackie Griffin have managed the Eagan facility for over two years and opened its Woodbury location in December. At the self-supervised park, parents are required to stay with their children, who can enjoy play areas suited for ages 1–13. “Parents and chaperones are highly encouraged to play with their children,” Jackie says. GoodTimes Park, 7805 Hudson Road Suite 188; 651.454.5736; goodtimespark.com
Kidcreate Studio
Co-owners and father/daughter duo Jeff and Isabel Dobier acquired Woodbury’s Kidcreate Studio last August and are excited to offer fun classes and work with children. This year-round destination offers clay, drawing, painting and science classes for children ages 18 months to 12, plus sensory classes for children ages 1 to 6.
“This school year, our most popular classes have been Messy Fun Clay Factory and Foam, Slime and Potions, and our biggest studio class had 22 kids in our Harry Potter Science class during a school day off,” Jeff says. He notes there will be special spring break classes and camps at the studio and through area school districts.
“Besides spring break, we offer weekly classes, workshops and mini-camps, including Saturday Night Date Nights where parents can drop their kids off for great art projects and get three hours to themselves,” Jeff says, adding that most classes follow the drop-off format, but parent-child classes are available for ages 1–6. Kidcreate Studio, 1785 Radio Drive F; 651.735.0880; kidcreate.com
The Little Village
Geared toward children up to 6 and enjoyed by children up to 10, The Little Village, located in neighboring Cottage Grove, is a multiuse space with an array of activities. “We are a mini children’s museum, children’s art studio, craft coffeehouse and children’s boutique—all rolled into one thoughtfully designed space,” says Laura Fritts, who co-owns the business with her husband, Ryan Fritts.
The magnetic tile wall encourages creative play at The Little Village. Photo: The Little Village
The Turf, a padded play area, features playhouses, a magnetic wall and a pirate ship slide deck. The Turf also hosts movie nights. The Creative Lab is a maker space with classes, workshops and drop-off camps. The Imaginarium (“The room that started it all,” Laura says.) is a themed rotating play space. In the warmer months, the outdoor patio features a three-tiered water table, a nature kitchen, a rubber road and wooden builder blocks. Moreover, adults will enjoy The Shoppe, a gift shop featuring play items, art supplies, apparel and decor, and the cafe menu includes a full espresso bar, snacks and healthy food options for parents and children.
Laura says The Little Village will host unique mini-maker camps, sensory and art classes, plus additional enrichment activities, over spring break.
“As creatives, and parents of three kiddos 8 and under, it has always been important to us to bring art into our kiddos’ lives and to make sure they have opportunities to learn through play in a clean, safe environment,” Laura says. “We wanted to create a space that we would enjoy hanging out in just as much as our children—a space that was very clean, not over-stimulating (Play is stimulating enough!) and beautiful … and that had delicious coffee.”
She adds, “We believe that we’ve accomplished that with our space, while still capturing the whimsy of childhood.” The Little Village, 7750 Harkness Ave. S., #101, Cottage Grove; 651.203.7993; thelittlevillagemn.com
